Charlie Veitch, the wisecracking British filmmaker arrested under the so-called five-metre law during the G20, is now suing the province and police.

Charlie Veitch is seen leaving a Finch Ave. courthouse on June 30, 2010, after he was released on bail following his arrest near the G20 security fence. Veitch is now suing Toronto police, Peel police and the Ontario government over the public works protection act.

By:Jennifer YangStaff Reporter, Published on Wed May 11 2011

Charlie Veitch, the wisecracking British filmmaker arrested under the so-called five-metre law during the G20, is now suing the province and police for $350,000.

In a statement of claim, Veitch, 29, is alleging his constitutional rights were violated in June when police arrested him for coming within five metres of the summit security fence. He was charged under the Public Works Protection Act, or so-called “five-metre rule.”

Veitch, a self-described “absurdist” who also calls himself the “Love Police,” is also suing for a second incident that occurred five days later, when he was arrested at Toronto Pearson airport and charged with personating a peace officer.

Veitch was detained overnight and unlawfully strip-searched following both arrests, according to his claim. Both charges have since been dropped.

In his statement, Veitch says police were negligent in failing to understand the law when they arrested him. He also argues the government violated his Charter Rights by passing a secret and improper law.

The defendants named are the Toronto police, Peel regional police and the Ontario government. Veitch is seeking damages of $100,000 from each police force and $150,000 from the province.

According to Clayton Ruby, Veitch’s lawyer, his client was “anguished” following his arrests and has decided to sue as a matter of principle.

“Lawsuits are for money, but it’s to make a stand,” Ruby said. “The government should not be allowed to get away with passing secret legislation.”

More on thestar.com

We value respectful and thoughtful discussion. Readers are encouraged to flag comments that fail to meet the standards outlined in our
Community Code of Conduct.
For further information, including our legal guidelines, please see our full website
Terms and Conditions.